Merex Investment, the leading operator of major retail destinations such as City Walk and Le Mer, has announced the receipt of the health-safety certification from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI)
This certification serves as an evidence-based roadmap, aiming to boost employee productivity and enhance ESG performance across all of Merex Investment's lifestyle projects, including The Beach and JBR.
By obtaining this recognition from IWBI, Merex Investment reaffirms its commitment to service excellence and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for the well-being of its staff, customers, and the community at large. Notably, this achievement marks Merex Investment as the first in the retail destination category within the Middle East and North Africa to be awarded the prestigious WELL Health-Safety Certification.
The WELL Health-Safety Rating was specifically developed to guide spaces through the process of re-entry after the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, instilling confidence in everyone who enters the building and the broader community. This rating encompasses assessments for various building and facility types, both new and existing, with a focus on operational policies, maintenance protocols, stakeholder engagement, and emergency plans.
To secure this certification, Merex Investment and its destinations underwent a comprehensive evaluation of their operations and policies, which encompassed areas such as cleaning and sanitisation procedures, emergency preparedness, air and water quality management, health services, and communication strategies. By implementing industry best practices and evidence-based strategies, the company ensures effective mitigation of safety and health risks while adhering to the latest international health and safety guidelines and protocols.
Shahram Shamsaee, CEO of Merex Investment, said, “We are thrilled to receive the WELL Health-Safety Certification, which reflects our unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the community. We believe that everyone who visits, interacts with, and works at our destinations deserves the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their health and safety is our top priority.”
He stated that the recognition provides Merex with an impetus to keep raising the bar and setting an example in environmental protection and human sustainability and safety for the industry.
Paul Scialla, founder and CEO of Delos and founder of the International WELL Building Institute, added, “Now more than ever, people are looking to congregate in indoor environments that are designed to support better health and well-being. Providing healthier, safer spaces in the retail and lifestyle sectors is quickly growing into a market imperative for forward-looking real estate leaders.”
